Independent traders are being given the opportunity to breathe new life into their windows and store layout with an innovative scheme which brings large and small retailers together.

Type=image;ImageID=1670;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Retail mentors;TitleClass=strong;

Shape up your Shop is the latest initiative of the Wolverhampton Portas Pilot project which is designed to support local businesses and improve the image of the city centre.

40 retailers will be given the know-how and guidance of some of the Black Country's leading visual merchandising experts. The aim is to improve the footfall, sales, profitability and ultimately the survival rates of small traders.

Stourbridge College's Black Country Skills Shop, part of the National Skills Academy for Retail will lead the project with the support of Retail Skills students from the Kidderminster Academy and visual merchandisers and key management from House of Fraser, Boots, Marks and Spencer and Wilkinson.

Kim Gilmour of WV One who devised the project said: "One of the key Portas principles is for larger retailers to support independents and I am thrilled with the response, both from independent shops wanting to take part and from some of the biggest names in Wolverhampton city centre volunteering to be mentors."

Tina Dalzell, Stourbridge College said: "I will be offering retailers key pointers on how to promote themselves through quality customer service, vision, presentation and range of goods in order for them to offer the best possible service."

The Shape your Shop team will be starting the programme in July during Independents month. Independents will receive ongoing support to put into action any changes and assess the impact.

Local mentors and students will gain from the project in terms of personal development, new skills, practical experience, networking and sharing of best practice. Students will also have improved employability and evidence for project work and portfolios.

By building up expertise, capacity and best practice with local mentors and students WV One will be assessing if the project could be extended to support other retailers.

Black Country Skills Shop role is to promote a package of support for retailers across the region including training, advice and guidance and recruitment. 

  • released: Monday 1 July, 2013